Labor Minister Calls for 5-day Work Week in Israel

Labor Minister Yosef Almogi proposed yesterday a five-day work week. Addressing a meeting of the Welfare and Work Institute, jointly sponsored by the Hebrew University and the National Insurance Institute, Almogi suggested that a team of researchers examine the idea and report on its possible adoption in Israel.

The religious parties have called for a five-day week that would leave the Sabbath free for worship with the additional holiday devoted to sports, travel and other activities incompatible with the Orthodox concept of religious holidays. The idea has not materialized so far because of the persistent labor shortage.